South Zone arrive bolstered heading into the Duleep Trophy 2026‑27 final against East Zone, with India internationals KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, and Muhammad Siraj slated to anchor the lineup for the championship showdown in Chennai.
The tournament unfolds from September 6 to 10 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, where South Zone aim to extend their pursuit beyond the runners‑up finish last season. Incorporating three key Indian internationals reflects the selectorate’s drive to give capable Test players regular limited‑overs pressure and maintain peak fitness.
Upset in the Roster – Duleep Trophy Final Line‑Ups
Pakistan star Muhammad Siraj’s appointment fortifies South Zone’s pace division, capitalising on a marginal dip displayed by Vidhwath Kaverappa after his standout semi‑final performance versus North Zone. Hyderabad left‑arm pacer CV Milind has consequently been named as backup coverage for Kaverappa.
Padikkal stepped onto the international stage with a glimming Test campaign in Sri Lanka. Named the Series’ Player of the Match after compiling 328 runs across three appearances—including two centuries—at number three. This feat represents his first streak of successive Tests following his 2024 debut.
KL Rahul and Siraj also featured in India’s Test tour of Sri Lanka. Their presence in the Duleep final underscores India’s intent to grant marquee stars substantial white‑ball exposure ahead of subsequent international obligations.
While South Zone skipper Tilak Varma may rotate in the final despite holding a T20I assignment for the upcoming Afghanistan circuit, East Zone captain Ishan Kishan and promising batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi—both integrated into the T20I programme—are expected to feature unless managerial adjustments dictate otherwise.
India prepares for a consecutive three‑match T20I series on Afghanistan, with the opening clash set for September 13 in Delhi, followed by fixtures on September 15 and the 17th.
Story first published: Friday, September 4, 2026, 16:23 [IST]
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